A few years back BMW was reportedly working on a new flagship four-door coupe based along the lines of the Concept CS but due to weak financial results the project was canned. The car was to be engineered by BMW’s M Division, which was intended to help give it the performance credentials necessary to compete with the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Fast forward today and reports are once again claiming that BMW is working on a new flagship four-door coupe. This time around, there is much more substance to rumors that the car is in fact in the works.
Following the unveiling of the BMW Concept Gran Coupe at least week’s 2010 Beijing Auto Show, the automaker’s chief designer, Adrian van Hooydonk, has revealed to Autocar that the striking concept is almost certain for production.
“It’s true that the Gran Coupe points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car,” explained van Hooydonk. “We’re convinced that we should make a car like this.”
According to inside sources, the production version will come in 2012 and feature a similar powertrain lineup to the 5-Series and 7-Series models with which it will share a platform. Also a possibility is the revival of the 8-Series badge for the new flagship.
[Autocar]
